Lemon Garlic Green Beans Almonds (Print Version)

Crisp green beans brightened with zesty lemon, fragrant garlic, and toasted almonds. An easy, flavorful accompaniment.

# Recipe Ingredients:

→ Produce

01 - 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed

→ Aromatics and Liquids

02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
04 - Zest of 1 lemon
05 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

→ Nuts

06 - 1/4 cup sliced almonds

→ Seasoning

07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
08 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

# Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the trimmed green beans and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they are bright green and just tender-crisp. Promptly drain the beans and immerse them in an ice bath to halt the cooking process. Drain thoroughly once more and set aside.
02 - In a large skillet, place the sliced almonds over medium heat. Toast, stirring frequently, for approximately 2 to 3 minutes until they achieve a golden brown hue and become fragrant. Transfer the toasted almonds to a plate and reserve.
03 - Using the same skillet, add olive oil and heat over medium heat. Introduce the finely minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until aromatic, taking care not to brown the garlic.
04 - Add the prepared green beans to the skillet. Toss to ensure they are thoroughly coated with the garlic and oil mixture. Sauté for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the green beans are heated through. Incorporate the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Toss vigorously to combine all ingredients evenly.
05 - Just prior to serving, generously sprinkle the reserved toasted almonds over the lemon garlic green beans.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • You'll absolutely adore how quickly this dish comes together, making even the busiest weeknight feel a little more gourmet.
  • The vibrant combination of tender-crisp green beans, zesty lemon, and crunchy almonds creates a symphony of textures and flavors that will impress everyone at the table.
02 -
  • The biggest mistake I made initially was overcooking the beans; they truly shine when they're still a bit snappy.
  • Discovering that toasting the almonds before adding them to the dish makes all the difference in their flavor and crunch was a game-changer.
03 -
  • To get that perfect tender-crisp texture, always shock your green beans in ice water immediately after blanching; it stops the cooking process dead in its tracks.
  • Don't rush the garlic — a gentle sauté releases its full aroma without burning, which can turn bitter very quickly.

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